LUCKNOW

Mir Taqi Mir, the legendary Urdu poet, found the very ambience of Lucknow creative and inspirational. A stronghold of Urdu culture, Lucknow is an exemplar of courtly sophistication and courtesy or tehzeeb. The color fullness and by-lanes of Chowk Hazratganj and Aminabad recreate theLucknowof yore. These ancient markets offer the finest pieces of Chikan embroidery-intricate needlework tradi­tionally done on muslin cloth-globally known for its sheer elegance. The majestic state opens to the world the 60 ft high Rumi Darwaza which is remniscent of the ancient portal of Constantinople. House to the Husainibad Imambara or Chota Imambara which is famous for its ornate design and exquisite chandeliers, Lucknow maintains the grandeur and charm of a princely lifestyle which it has ardently preserved.